GG, how you can use git and GitHub for game development

Are you a game developer or have you ever thought about writing a game? Have you thought about source control when it comes to video game development?

In this talk I'll cover git and some of the issues surrounding source control and gaming. We'll look at some open source game engines you can use to develop games, and some of the challenges in the gaming industry.

Key takeaways:
- what is git
- why is source control hard in gaming?
- what is the industry standard?
- alternatives
- open source game engines for developing code
- how to get involved in game development

Test writing with GitHub Copilot

Who likes writing tests? Whether it's your favourite past time, or your most loathed task, GitHub Copilot can help you consult good tests for your code.

In this session I'll introduce you to GitHub Copilot and how it can help you write code. We'll also look at aspects of testing and why testing is important. We'll discuss some of the best practices when it comes to prompt engineering, and how to get the most out of GitHub Copilot.

Key takeaways:
- Introduction to GitHub with demos on writing code and building whole projects from scratch
- The basics of testing: why it's important, different test types
- Using GitHub Copilot to write tests
- Generating test cases
- Testing automation
- How to get the most out of GitHub Copilot through prompt engineering

Beyond Code: Unraveling AI's Origins and Futures

Where did AI really come from? Where did it all start and where's it all going?

In this talk let's explore where AI all started. Drawing on my experience founding an AI company in 2016 (which is still going), let's embark on a journey through the history of artificial intelligence (AI), delving into its origins and casting a visionary gaze towards the future. From humble beginnings to the cutting-edge advancements of today, we unravel the how behind AI's evolution, exploring the pivotal moments, key influencers, and transformative breakthroughs that have shaped its trajectory. We'll include a look at the origins of GitHub Copilot and how it's shaping the lives of developers.

This talk doesn't just focus on the past. We also look into the uncharted territories of supposedly AI's limitless potential. We'll consider some of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. How AI might potentially redefine industries, reshape human interactions, and impact the very fabric of our existence. I'll also leave you with some takeaways on skills we need as humans to stay ahead of the game when it comes to AI, and ensure we are equipped to have a job in a world where AI will seemingly be working alongside us.

How I used GitHub Projects to move my house

GitHub Projects is an often forgotten or underutilised GitHub feature. It's a powerful tool for managing your projects, whether they be software development, or a personal hobby.

This adaptable, flexible tool for planning and tracking work can be used by developers and non-developers alike. It's one of the best ways you can have your team working together across all disciplines.

In this talk, you'll see GitHub Projects in action, and see how I used GitHub issues, forms, tasks, milestones, timelines, and automation to help plan my house move.

What Hackatoberfest taught me about building and maintaining a repo

Last year during Hacktoberfest, I took the opportunity to create a new project so some of us could work on. It was something many of us had experienced and we thought it would be a fantastic way to ensure we all got to contribute during Hacktoberfest; if you don't know what Hacktoberfest is, it's an annual event that celebrates open source software by encouraging people to contribute to GitHub repositories during the month of October.

As the person who started this new project I became the maintainer by default. I can tell you I learned a tonne! As a maintainer of an open source project, participating in Hacktoberfest can be both exciting and overwhelming. In this talk, we will explore the lessons learned from maintaining an open source repository during Hacktoberfest. We will discuss strategies for managing incoming contributions, including ways to communicate with contributors, merge conflicts, and more. We will also explore how to create a welcoming environment for new contributors and foster a culture of inclusivity in open source projects.

By sharing this fun (and sometimes scary) experience, I hope to inspire others to participate in open source projects and help make the world of software development a more collaborative and inclusive place.

Skills for the age of AI

What skills are needed to ensure I still have a job, and how do I obtain them?

With the rise of AI and automation, how do we as humans find our value in the workplace? How do we work with these new technologises? How do we build resilience to changes? What soft skills are needed for us to thrive in this new world?

People have often felt apprehensive about change, especially big changes to the way we work. It happened in the industrial revolution and now it's happening with the rise of artificial intelligence. Five years ago these things existed, but now they are accessible to almost everyone, and in a lot of cases they are doing our jobs for us.

In this session I'll cover:
- What is work
- Why it is important for to people to work
- Industrial revolutions
- Artificial Intelligence and applications
- Fears, concerns, ethics
- Working with AI
- Soft skills and how to cultivate them

Working with the GitHub CLI

Takeaways:
Learn about the GitHub CLI is and why you should use it
Learn the features of the CLI and how it can help your workflow
Learn about some useful extensions to do more with the CLI, plus find out how you can contribute and build your own.

Abstract:
At GitHub, we love developers to work the way they want. Some like to work in the browser, others in the editor, and some don't even want to leave their terminal. With the GitHub CLI, you never have to leave the command line. Perform all your favourite GitHub commands directly from the terminal; open an issue, check out a PR, merge some code and more. There are also hundreds of extensions available, both from GitHub and from the community. Come along to this session and see how to level up your terminal skills with GitHub CLI."

How to program your stream deck for better productivity

We all want to be faster, better, stronger, but how do we work smarter, not harder?The Elgato stream decks are one of the go-to pieces of hardware for live streamers. But it's not just useful for streamers. You can program your stream deck with macros, hotkeys, and even build your own actions with scripts. Come and learn how to program the Elgato Stream Deck to help you work more efficiently. 

What video gaming taught me about teamwork

I recently started playing Animal Crossing in order to be able to present at a conference. What I soon saw was there were so many nods to teamwork and collaboration. The whole idea of the game is to collaborate.

What can video gaming teach us about collaboration and how can this be applied to the physical world. I'll draw on examples from several video games as well as sport.

Collaboration is one of the most important (albeit often forgotten) pillars of DevOps

How to survive in a male dominated industry

When you run a technology startup, the voices of women often go unheard. It's not because we don't speak up, it's because people think little of us. When you are told "you will never be CEO of this company because this company won't be run by a woman", then you really understand how people view you. But it's not about letting these moments get you down. It's about using those to build yourself up, understand your worth, and help other women do the same. I will use my own examples to talk about how I've survived in my world of tech, dev, gaming, esports, cars, skateboarding dominated by men and how you too can come out on top.

Talk was accepted on old Sessionize account for The Live Coders International Women's Day Challenge for Women

How to use Twitch and live streaming to build your fanbase

At GitHub, we've been using live streaming as a way to engage with our users. Come and hear our story. Learn top tips on using Twitch or any other live streaming platform. What kind of content should you be doing? How are you engaging? What can you offer? Are there channels to follow for inspiration?

I've also been doing lots of live coding on my own channel. Twitch is not just a place to watch people play games. Live coding is taking off and those working in Developer Relations are in the best position to speak to this audience. Find out if Twitch is for you and how to get started.

GitHub Stars - how to build an awesome DevRel program

The GitHub Stars program has become one of the most loved developer relations programs around the world. Hear about how it started, and what we looked at in order to build one of the coolest programs around.

You'll also find out how to become a GitHub Star, what the program entails, and understand how to connect with your audience in the best way possible.

DevOps isn't just about developing

It's widely accepted that DevOps is as much a cultural shift as it is about the technology that's used. DevOps consists of four main pillars, one of which is collaboration.

Collaboration is so important, it's also nothing new. As our future of work is moving towards this soft skill, how do we find our ultimate dream team, and work effectively across an entire organisation to build the best products and services?

In this session I'll talk about why collaboration is important and how developers and non-developers can work better together. I'll also give you some tips on tools to use for more effective collaboration and teamwork across multidisciplinary teams.

Releases Galore - how and why to ship software releases

Not every developer does a software release. Sometimes they'll just commit to main. What are the advantages of releasing your project? How can you automate the whole process to make it easier?

Learn all about software releases, how to ship releases, and how to automate this process. You'll also find out how you can submit your major project releases to be featured on GitHub!

How to effectively pitch your idea

When it comes to building a business, or creating a game, you will be required to pitch your ideas. Selling your idea to investors, PR companies, potential teammates, partners, content creators, and event organisations will be crucial to the success of your game.

How does one do this effectively without sounding egotistical? I'll teach you the MAGIC formula for pitching any idea, any game, to anyone. You can use this magic formula for an elevator pitch, a 5 minute lighting round, a 20 minute session, or even an hour long workshop.

At the end of my session, you'll walk away with a playbook on how to sell your game to get what you want. You'll also receive tips and tricks for effectively pitching your game.

How to write code with GitHub Copilot

Are you looking for faster ways to code? Do you get "coders block"? Maybe you get stuck and don't know where to go for answers. No more waiting, no more searching, GitHub Copilot is here to help. Find answers to problems, have GitHub Copilot help write repetitive code, and get started with a full project outline. Have GitHub Copilot suggest lines or code, whole functions, or even entire documents and projects. You can even code in multiple languages, both human and coding.

In this talk, I'll cover what GitHub Copilot is, how you can use it (hint, it's free for everyone), and walk through a full demo. By the end of the session you'll discover:
- How GitHub Copilot works
- How to get better results from GitHub Copilot with prompt engineering (the art crafting effective prompts)
- How to get better results with different types of interactions with GitHub Copilot
- Learn how to implement GitHub Copilot in various scenarios